Watches in Service of the German Wehrmacht During World War 2

What exactly is a Wehrmacht watch? Brand or type? Is it a collectable wristwatch or just a piece of cheap militaria? How can i distinguish between authentic pieces and fakes? What about prices and value?
In this episodes Tim gives an introduction to this type of military watch and answers the most frequently asked question.
Useful addition: How to spot a fake dial
• Vintage Watches - How ...

[@siliconion]

My brother's father in law fought in the Battle of the Bulge and brought back artifacts from that battle. His daughter recently gave me a bunch of watches that were her Dad's. I am an amateur watchmaker. Among the watches was a Para with a Precimax 300 movement. My research indicated that it was a German Officer's watch. It was damaged from rust but the good news was that it was just the keyless works rusted. After a lot of ebay searching, I landed a P300 movement mixed in among a bunch of watch scrap parts (a very luck find!!). I was able to bring the watch to full functionality with only replacing the winding pinion, clutch, ratchet wheel, setting lever and screw!! The stem was rusty, but I made it functional with careful cleaning. The crown is worn, but very functional. The hands bear rust and the lume is deteriorated to blackish. I have also kept the original crystal though it is scratched and yellow. To be usable, I did polish it with polywatch. It is truly a piece of history with solid provenance.

[@honker3282]

I have my late father's 34mm Doxa which he "acquired" in Germany in 1945---serial no. D45******. He wore it every day for 50 years until his death, and only the crown has been replaced. It is tarnished and the radium has faded considerably. I wind it occasionally, and it is accurate to less than a minute a week. A real "beater"!

[@DMCS1917]

I actually have an original dienstuhr watch from my grandfather who was fighting for Germany during the war and it still works surprisingly, I wear it daily, not due to political beliefs but simply since it is a beautiful watch.

[@sonnigundbelanglos]

the watch should be toxic as it contains radium, no?

[@DMCS1917]

@@sonnigundbelanglos I’ve never had any adverse effects, but maybe I’ve just built up a tolerance or some such to it. No idea.

[@bradwillis3361]

The radiation can’t get through the case in significant quantities to cause harm

[@icychap]

There is nothing wrong with collecting historical artifacts. The object itself is not evil (or good); the intentions of the collector are what make it what it is. If war relics are what you find interesting, I say go for it.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Extremely helpful and well judged video in terms of content and setting the context. I am currently researching the August 1940 Luftwaffe raid on the town in which I live (Pembroke Dock) with the aim of doing a video in which I restore a typical Luftwaffe pilot's watch of the era (the raid involved 3 x Ju88s and 2 x ME109) whilst telling the story of the raid and paying homage to everyone involved on both sides. As an ex-soldier of some 20 years service in the British Army I have a great deal of respect for the young men flying on that mission as I also have for the poor souls on the receiving end. Thanks Tim .... this has been really helpful. It is an important topic but needs handling very carefully and you do a great job here. Subscribed. Richard

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you for watching and the subscription, Richard!

[@DogTagz41]

Funny.. I am from Milford Haven. Have you heard of Ted Owens. He lives in Pembroke Dock. He was in the fire service as a teen during the raid in 1940 and rode an Indian fire service motorbike. He went on to join the 41 Royal Marines Commandos and landed on Sword beach on D-Day. He was wounded three times during his combat service.. I am also looking for my own WW2 German wrist watch to use.. but honestly I am concerned about the Radium. Would be interested to see your watch if you have photos. Regards

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi @@DogTagz41 ... If it is they guy I think it is then yes Ted's reputation goes before him. It would be great to include his contribution in the video I am planning. I do not like radium and stay clear of it wear possible which pretty much writes off me working on these watches. Thanks for this information. Richard

[@DogTagz41]

Richard Perrett Watchmaker if you ever decide to sell the watch please keep me in mind. I also have hundreds of WW1 and WW2 militaria if you prefer trades. Kind Regards. Nathan

[@nolanolivier6791]

These are really the sort of videos one doesn't tend to see from other channels on the subject, and they certainly are very worthwhile.

[@stevebo8055]

I keep returning to your videos as a sane source of great information.

[@JohnstonPettigrew]

Excellent video. It's too bad that some of the best presenters on KZbin have a limited audience until their channel gets popular. Phatboi Archi Bald, with all his faults, found the key to the viewer bank....and that is to his credit. I hope your knowledge of this subject gets around to the viewing public. I have subscribed to your channel.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you. I think it will need more time. I'll keep going with one episode a week and think the audience will grow.

[@summerrr1]

Archibald can be extremely entertaining and could be so much better. Unfortunately he does not appear to have any kind of strategy for his channels, resulting in the hodgepodge of often rambling content that he uploads. Anyway, interesting upload caseback, even if a slightly obscure topic.

[@andrew_owens7680]

@@CasebackWatches That's a lot of work for you. Best of luck.

[@simoninglis7437]

Very true. This gentleman deserves a far larger and solid following.

[@domokun938]

You are very well informed and well researched!

[@KRColson]

Very interesting indeed! Thank you for showing.

[@artl52]

Another interesting video, Tim. I enjoyed it very much. I even got some ideas for an upcoming video on my own channel.

[@anthonydaquino6934]

Outstanding video! I really appreciate the way you strive to help viewers learn something new and to consider some thought-provoking commentary. Excellent brand development!

[@dgb6355]

Something I learned today, thanks Tim

[@rohanbansal2324]

Great video!

[@RikthDcruze]

Me: Watches are my love. Researching WW2 is my passion... KZbin: Then take some passionate love!!

[@brucecameron7172]

Tim, thank you, great video.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks! Pleasure ;-)

[@oscarmadison8530]

Excellent presentation, sir.Count me as a new subscriber. Regarding the watches you just reviewed, would you consider creating a video about the prices for such watches. You speak better English than some of my co-workers.👍👍👊👊

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you very much, Oscar. Prices for those watches are hard to figure out. They depend strongly on the condition, the brand, the marketplace, the country etc. I'm afraid it's impossible give a solid advice here. I wouldn't spend more than 250 Euro but this is a personal opinion, based more on instinct than on facts.

[@jazzman5598]

Great vid Tim. Thanks

[@CasebackWatches]

My pleasure

[@diegohernan82]

Good content, congrats.

[@troynasello2085]

Great video. I love these history pieces

[@marshallguerra1353]

Great content and information

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you.

[@blasien1]

Interesting content, I was unaware of this

[@josephp2712]

I just love your show so informative and great historical information

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you!

[@Seneca384]

Great video

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

Would love one of these, excellent video thank you for sharing your insights. Which brand of wermacht watch is the most valuable of the group?

[@minty448]

I have a silvana like this on my wrist right now,it’s a great watch and surprisingly accurate after all this time.l do look at it and wonder about its past history,if only it could talk!

[@themadrazorback2019]

Well done. Thanks.

[@renelopez2244]

I think you did quite well. Extremely informative. Thank you

[@barryg3128]

Very informative video giving an insight into the use of watches by the military. Thank you

[@evanssm1]

I've seen several pieces on Dirty Dozen watches where the writer / presenter has made the "mistake" of mentioning that, despite their status as an iconic timepiece of WWII, only a handful of these watches are likely to have seen any active wartime service, as they were: made in relatively small numbers; apart from a few special operations units, they were not generally distributed to front line troops and the British military only began receiving the watches that were commissioned during the latter half of 1945. Such observations are often met by a stream of anecdotes along the lines of "nonsense! I remember my father / uncle / grandfather had one of these watches and I remember them showing it to me in 1939 / 1941/ 1943... I know it wasn't any later because they died in action / eloped with a showgirl from Dublin the following week / month / year ." I've often wondered whether such anecdotes were actually referring to Wehrmacht watches, which: look very similar to the WWW watches (apart from the size); were made in greater numbers and could probably be "obtained" from various sources by members of the allied forces fighting in Europe.

[@eric106071]

Would love to see your watch collection sometime.

[@TheReddkatt]

very interesting video

[@dambaek.]

Interesting video and well presented! - But as we all love accurate details: The term "Wehrmacht" was used from 1935 (not '33) until Sept. 1945

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you. In the legal sense, that is true. The Wehrmacht officially replaced the Reichswehr in 1935. However, the term “Wehrmacht” was used much earlier, in the sense of “army”. There are even German texts before 1935 that refer to the “Russian Wehrmacht”, simply as a term for the Russian army as a whole.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a 32mm black dial Glycine with small seconds at 6 o'clock, srew down unmarked caseback. Chrome plated. It's is running well. It was left to me by my friend when he died this year. He was 76.

[@TheClockwise770]

I was hoping that your video might show more of these watches especially Zenith which I have bought

[@chinaman1]

12:45 I saw a watch by this seller on ebay. and the lum was too nice and too bright to be true, I'm glad you said it's fake. Their page is exactly the same with the german army soldier on it.

[@Jikaninja]

Actually, there is always exception of any watches including vintage….my best friend Michel late great uncle was serving in the Wehrmacht and was given a watch but he never wear it but left it at his parent home before he left for the eastern front. Need not to say, he never return from the east. His parent kept his watch inside a jewelry box and no one ever wear it or touch it for the last 75 years until it was passed to my friend with other goodies inside the jewelry box. So, beside the tritium indexes, everything else looks like a brand new watch. So, there is always exception out there, but of course he is not going to sell the watch, he is wearing it and I saw it more than few times.

[@forestcop2399]

Excellent video. Being retired US Army I see these watches as being used by soldiers not Nazis, etc. During WW2 my grandfather didnt see the enemy as Nazis, just fellow soldiers doing their job. I see collecting watches possibly used during war as a symbol of respect. I see my ARSA as being used by a German soldier as well as it being taken as a war trophy by a Russian soldier. I can tell you the Marathon and Freestyle watch I used in Iraq are highly sentimental and was a very important tool.

[@sorryociffer]

A note to add that very FEW Germans were actual NAZIs…..

[@TedCornish]

You are very good my friend 👍👍

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you!

[@fikonfraktare]

The price depends on the condition and manufacturer. 200€ today will probably get you a watch in rather poor condition.

[@80barlo80]

Hi, nice content! Could you make a video about some German watch brands? You have very good research skills and I wanted to know more about Steinhart , Nomos and Sinn watches. I think many people would be interested to watch it.Thanks!

[@Tomatron2k]

Definitely! Don't forget Stowa and Muhle Glashutte though!!!

[@paulkopper2582]

Zeppelin and Junkers

[@bg147]

AS must have made millions of movements. My Swiss Valory has one as well.

[@scottparis6355]

These are the mirror image of the British so-called "Dirty Dozen" watches; made to a rigid government standard by many different manufacturers. Sometimes the same manufacturer for both sides. (I'm looking at you, Longines.IWC) Difference is authentic British ones sell for thousands, while the German ones, often just as good, sell for very little. I've looked at both, but they are SO small.

[@fikonfraktare]

All the dirty dozen watches were delivered at the end of the war in 45 and saw little to no action, they're therefore often in quite nice condition. They made ~150,00. A bunch were sold to the Netherlands military after the war. Some got a new dial with less radioactive lume. They were also a bit higher quality than those supplied to Germany.

[@dracovenit9549]

Very history changing indeed.

[@yarlgrey]

All three are fake / franken. First two have AS1130 caliber with incabloc shock-resistant system which was not used during WW2 but in 50-s Original DH used another antishock system of old type. Best way to check if the watch is manufactured before 1950-s is with dosimeter, had radium salts in the lume.

[@simoninglis7437]

Great video. Well researched, interesting, thoughtful and I like your gentle sense of humour. Well presented too. You have a great sense of style. I was unaware of the characteristics of Wehrmacht watches, but its fascinating. They seem to follow a parallel yet distinctive variation to allied "field" watches.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanky you for watching, Simon, and for the kind comment.

[@stephenloy3535]

I have a Bischoff Aero-Anker 16 rubik,I believe it is Luftwaffe rather than Wehrmacht,30mm in steel,white face

[@liondemacedoandreassa7021]

Great video, Tim! I'd say a History class! By the way, which watch you were wearing? Omega?

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you! It's one of my first videos, so I don't remember the watch. But on the screen it looks like my 1963 Omega Constellation.

[@katahajimeudegarame2397]

I just aquired a military CYMA Tavannes watch with black display and triangular 12´ index with dots ( B-Uhren type-a inspired ) 36 mm diam. and in very wearable condition (military steampunk kinda vibe) without noticible restoration except the crown wich i suspect it was replaced for civilian use (aviation watches have large unconfortable crowns), i think i found a history jewel for 165 buckaroos, what do you think?

[@MrJerry160]

Cool to have from a historical stand point if you got one for a good price but too many over priced fraken beater watches. Something like the HAMILTON Khaki Navy Pioneer Small Second is a good substitute if you want to wear a similar style watch

[@AOG_FAMILY]

I have a edox watch that looks like this and i emailed edox but they said they lost information when they moved buisness location and i cant find another one like it on the internet, its old as it was passed down from my great grandfather

[@vladchan]

Wermacht watches were built to a spec. They were shockproof and had a screw in caseback so somewhat resistant to dirt/water. And had radioactive lume but the wearers usually did not live long enough to make a difference. Also made up brand names were common because the Swiss were careful not to leave their "fingerprints". Supposedly the early ones were stainless steel but as the war dragged on this was dropped.

[@Willibef]

13:55 Childish? This can be said of any fascinated collector who, to the outside world, seems obsessed with a hobby that has gotten out of hand.

[@brinx8634]

I have a Doxa that belonged to my deceased father who was was in the Canadian Army serving in Europe '44-45. It fits all of the criteria, but I know nothing of it's history. Doxa, up to the mid "50s, can be reliably dated from the first two serial numbers, mine eg: D44*****. It wasn't running, so I had it cleaned, serviced and a new acrylic crystal added. I wear it at special times...though often only special to me. Thank you for the information, I shall do more digging.

[@yarlgrey]

Plus not sure even if Silvana even manufactured watches for the Wehrmacht. All serials are without D / DH. KM watches actually had "K.M."on luminous radium dial. See Konrad Knirim "Military Timepieces" for reference.

[@riverc8379]

New subscriber. As a collector of many types of watches and especially watches made for soldiers, I found your video very informative. Glad I found your channel.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks for the subscription! Very encouraging.

[@fadafadoudi22]

Nice content ! Especially liked the eBay tour part, it's kind of a practical part of a course, keep it up ;) Thanks !

[@DogTagz41]

Hi Caseback Watches, I am wondering if you know of any WW2 military watches that did not use Radium (and do not contain any harmful materials). I'd like to buy a WW2 military watch to use but I am afraid of the potential for harm due to Radium exposure. Thanks

[@CasebackWatches]

I'm afraid there are no such pieces. But I've heard once that some watchmakers cover the radium with another lacquer.

[@PrivTrd]

Would you please tell me more about the jacket you are wearing in this video ? Linen/silk what is it who makes it, I quite like it. Thanks.

[@CasebackWatches]

That's a Roy Robson, which i bought cheap in an online outlet. But my tailer altered it heavily and now it's a very good piece for summer. 100 percent linen.

[@PrivTrd]

Many thanks for the reply. You do have a great sartorial style and it sounds like you know where to have these items at reasonable prices-> Would love to see some more sartorial content from you. Where to buy, style, etc... Yes, I know this is a watch channel, but had to mention it. Great content, I am really enjoying, thanks again, keep it up.

[@MrAristaeus]

I was thinking the same! It’s an excellent fit across the shoulder.

[@crappyluxurypdx]

Good topic. Laco is a German watch company with a genuine Luftwaffe history. How about German World War I watches?

[@richardpoe2384]

Hi, Anyone know about the Delbana Swiss watches for the German WW2 Military? Thanks

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I think that white-flour was every bit as much as a game changer as gunpowder or TNT, even led to French Cuisine and the name of the watch brand Blancpain. Non, oui? :)

[@CasebackWatches]

Oui!

[@TheeYellowDart]

I very much enjoyed the information in this, thank you. I have always enjoyed watches but only recently started collecting them. I am partial to field watches so it stands to reason that these vintage military pieces intrigue me. For duty and deployment I've worn a very simple and dependable G-Shock, and still do. My interest in military watches stems from a desire to connect with my predecessors. Soldiers aren't perfect, far from it...we're human; and when I look at a genuine field watch there is a certain honesty to them. They are meant to do one thing well and that is to tell time; and no matter what military you serve in, meeting timings are important, and potentially critical. We all know inanimate objects are not good or evil, and in this case it's just a tool, like a rifle, a compass, or a mess kit. It's an artifact from a simple yet tumultuous time. I guess I find fascination in being able to wear a small piece of history.

[@shyamchabra5355]

I have an ARSA pocket watch with DH number and it is a former Wehrmacht watch. Is it possible to know who it was issued to? I bought it in Britain.

[@CasebackWatches]

Not possible unfortunately, at least afaik.

[@unknowninfinium4353]

Came across your channel by accident but man stayed for the video, I always wanted to sesrch and get the watches worn by German army but always get flagged for political reasons. Still my love for history and watches grow ever deeper. I have but a suggestion to make, have you ever tread this book called "The Interrogator" it's based on the best German Interogator and he never used violence, often offered cigarettes to the prisoners, takes them on the walk around the garden and speaks to them pike a friend. He got vital information unlike the interrogators who used various violence and tools. I was going to read it myself but wanted to share it with you. Take care and please keep making more videos.

[@CasebackWatches]

Hi Akshay, thanks for watching and the tip. I'll check it out. All the best.

[@lsvemir27]

What is about PAGE? Is it german military supplier? I have one with DH sign. This from 9:15m from Chezch Republic is mine today :) I bought it last year ;)

[@MrStevengordts]

I'm confused now, I have a Milus "Wehrmachtswerk", but that's from a later date, right? Cream dial

[@CasebackWatches]

Everybody can use the term "Wehrmachtswerk" for any movement. Normally though it's used for the typical AS movements, even when they were produced after WW2. But unfortunately I don't have experience with Milus watches. I've seen them on Chrono but never handled one.

[@karlsenula9495]

I have a black dial small seconds JLC direct from my German grandfather ... so this is very interesting .. serial number but no lettering.

[@BenjaminLion]

Probably privately bought and not military issued

[@karlsenula9495]

@@BenjaminLion... oh I definitely agree ... my understanding is that my grandfather bought it soon after the war.

[@rafaelfranciulli]

It´s so ridiculous that you have to make that kind of clarification !! I love German watches, I love german culture and I have nothing to explain to anybody. If the idiots are brain washed is not my problem.

[@BenjaminLion]

Well said Rafael, bless you 👏

[@matthewturner7691]

I like you bro! You're one dapper dude which I am not. I wear overalls and nice watches to do milwright work. I look like a hillbilly who won someone's watch in a poker game!😂

[@simoninglis7437]

I agree Mathew. He has great taste, yet he looks comfortable and natural. It makes me rethink my own wardrobe.

[@jamescollier847]

Thank you for having the courage NOT to be intimidated by Political Bigots and covering this extremely important and interesting subject. 👍🏼

[@2k_]

I have Hanhart mono pusher and don't know anything about it.

[@AllisterCaine]

I bought a stowa watch at a flea market... Black dial, six letter serial number. I think they are stamped because the numbers dont align perfectly. Is there any way this watch could be real, because it does not follow the serial numbers you laid out in any way, it is not even five letters but actually six.

[@fikonfraktare]

Stowa made the higher quality classic pilot watches. I'm not sure if they made any field watches, which was outsourced to all kinds of manufacturers.

[@oasisdifusion]

Buenas tardes. Felicitaciones por el video..Comentarles tengo un reloj de hombre desde 1978 necesito ayuda para saber si es autentico Glycine creo que es de los años 40 ó 50. Desde ya muchas gracias. Saludos desde Argentina Bs As

[@spooky3120]

How about the Radium?

[@predator627]

What about kienzle pocket watch?

[@josephp2712]

To me a watch is a watch and I love watches I don't care who whi makes them these watches are beautiful and well made and I as a watch lover must give the Germans the credit they deserve

[@lontongsayur981]

Mantapp

[@tomasinacovell4293]

There was so much Nazi "kitsch" all over cigarette cases, lighter, jewelry, it just goes on and on, but few watches with Reich III eagles or SS runes, isn't that odd?

[@fikonfraktare]

The watches were tools rather than jewelry like today. Some of the nicer Kriegsmarine pocket watches have the Reich eagle engraving on the backside, but they were probably supplied in smaller numbers to captains and other officers. There are two A. Lange & Söhne and a Ulysse Nardin on chrono24 at the moment if you're looking to spend a few thousand. The Wehrmacht field watches were produced by so many different manufacturer (roughly 30 known I think), it makes sense that they didn't bother stamping or engraving them and only supplied the batch number. And no one looks sees the backside anyway.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

@@fikonfraktare I guess it's kind of that way during and around periods of military conflicts, like we get so many different manufactures of watches that look like the Benrus's, Omega 53's, the ones Vietnam era soldiers called Micky Mouse watches that Hamilton Khaki's are based on?

[@geroldatlarge1841]

Gruesome. But true. I had an elderly friend who as a child would go into the battle field after the skirmish and collect watches off the bodies of dead German soldiers. In addition, Russian soldiers pocketed all German / Swiss watches of prisoners. After the war , German watch makers and material were transferred to Russia to make watches for the Soviet Union. Some of these watches have to be around?

[@CasebackWatches]

They are certainly around. But it's a minefield for collectors because of all those fakes.

[@andrew_owens7680]

Quartz means fake. Digital means fake. Mickey Mouse means fake. Ostrich band means fake. Tourbillon means fake, but buy it anyway.

[@nolanolivier6791]

it annoys me that this channel is not bigger.

[@CasebackWatches]

Working on it ;-)

[@Bonpu]

Interesting point on the questionable motivation for desiring a "military" watch. I have a soft spot for certain military design classics due to their minimalist, purely functional design, restrained masculinity, often more traditional size and superior readability with my bad eyeseight. Think the iconic IWC Mark 11, its civil cousin Mark 12, Seiko RAF Chrono etc.. I notice genuine historical field watches (which often look just old), "tactical" watches (pretentious toys) and military inspired design concepts which I find quite fascinating (e.g. Serica). I am currently wearing a 35 mm Seiko SUS which is basically some 90s Japanese expert designers interpretation of a post-war RAF Mark 11, aimed decidedly at young, design-conscious Japanese customers. Il love it because it's perfectly proportioned, uncommon, utterly minimalistic and especially: youthful - without being "artsy".

[@Ag3nt0fCha0s]

If the watches failed to meet required standards, were they sent to a work-camp? Very hard to mix German with English? But they are sister tongues!

[@CasebackWatches]

I know there is a relation between some german dialects and English. But the languages in general?

[@Ag3nt0fCha0s]

@@CasebackWatches Both part of the Indo European language group. There are closer linkages too. Dutch is the language closest to English and Dutch is basically German with an accent. Gut Good Sister Schwester Rot Red Need I go on?

[@369MatteGrey]

Sound of the video is a lot ttlw bit low.

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks for the hint. I will crank it up a little in future episodes.

[@ericwarren7719]

Interesting, I have been study about this topic since coming in to possession of a Grana kf321, the back cover has just a serial number, 346***. I have found very limited information about them, as a student of history, it is very interesting and intriguing to know the back history of where it might have came from. Any help would be appreciated!

[@chrisnewport7826]

Sher gut

[@davidcoleman2463]

Hugo Boss made all the German uniforms . Damn . They all looked good ! Lol Coco Chanel was a spy for the Germans . Life goes on ! I have a Merkur safety razor . The army shaved with them . Best razor I have ever had . Do we need to mentioned the Volkswagen Beetle !

[@CasebackWatches]

The beetle which was designed originally by Porsche btw

[@davidcoleman2463]

I love all things German . I have a murker safety razor . So well made . I always get a good shave . Funny but Russia makes great razor blades . Old T 34 tanks ! Lol.

[@69fastfurious]

Congratulations for this “special” video war specially the WWII Germany was seen as the “evil” even today people remember it but … there is always someone who can understand that those dark days and the politic wasn’t the same as today’s by the way as I’m writing there’s a war against Ukraine… better talk about watches nice info ! Don’t like vintage watches but do like German made watches there’s lots of great brands very well made unfortunately now the prices of some brands are getting very expensive compared back 2017 ! Hanhart is a good example loads of people are now very happy with the new model 417 ES model because TGV went full on with the brand and pick up huge vibe on that model in particular because Steve Macqueen supposed to have one of those models ! All that said have a few German made watches Sinn , Hanhart and a microbrand called EZA watches the owner is Dutch but is watches are made in Pforzheim not too bad bought it 2 years ago or so and was good deal ! All the best to your channel and now your English is much better than 2018 😊

[@r.g.2095]

Generalising that the Russian and Ukrainian watches are mostly fake is simply ignoring the fact that majority of the German service watches ended up/captured on the eastern front. The red army soldiers had a very special almost fanatic attachment to watches in general so they collected them form bodies, POWs and civilians. In my country (Hungary) the first thing they asked for from the soldiers or the civilians was their watches. Davaj Chasy (give me your watch) became the slogan associated with red army soldiers. The millions of watches ended up in the soviet era after 45 is incomparable to the number the GI's took home as a souvenir. In western POW camps the solders could keep their watches if they wanted this was impossible in the in Russian camps. Yes there is an industry to create fake watches mostly the mentioned easy to recognise swastika/ss type of silly fakes but believe me they don't need much of a fake industry for these simple DH/D/DU watches as they have endless supply locally.

[@albertthatcher8160]

7:52 Lol!

[@zogzog1063]

Thank you for such an informational video. I cannot say how accurate you are because I missed that day in law school. Let me say there is an absolutely fabulous alternative. It is the 'replica'. I have one and it is the MilTec Luftwaffe pilots watch. It is a good attempt to have an authentic look but with a quartz movement. Yabba dabba do! These watches do not pretend to be originals (who would want to drive and Model T Ford?) but all the authenticity is there.

[@madarauchiha919]

Kinda sucks people have to open with that little speech of I don't support nazi ideology when ever they talk about collecting stuff they used. Like why can't I just enjoy it without having to justify why I have it.

[@Ossory88]

Ist die Luftwaffe nicht ein Teilbereich der Wehrmacht?

[@CasebackWatches]

Richtig, hatte aber andere Uhren.

[@Ossory88]

@@CasebackWatches Wehrmacht, Wehrmacht, wer macht mit?

[@aleximd9244]

Sa ai si o ranga , fiind in camion este scula deci nu se pot lua de tine si iti spun ca le ingheata cacatul cand esti cu levierul in mana.

[@innocentoctave]

I don't think that there's anything wrong with collecting old service watches. I do think that a preoccupation with German memorabilia - including service watches - specifically from the Nazi period is harder to justify. There is an unhealthy element of fantasy there. But the same might be said of most purchasers of dive watches. The general style of service watches both predates and postdates that period, and is not specific to Germany. I like the clean design and the legibility of these watches - particularly the 'Flieger' style. But it's worth noting that a pilot's watch need not be military, and even a military watch may have been issued and used during a long period of peace. It's a complicated subject.

[@nolanolivier6791]

Not looking for an argument here, but I'm just slightly confused as to the element of fantasy attached to the ownership of dive watches...

[@scottparis6355]

@@nolanolivier6791 How many owners of the hundreds of thousands of dive watches actually dive? Not too different from the buyers of "tactical" watches. A few are soldiers, but most are not.

[@nolanolivier6791]

Hmmmm... I'm a former soldier as well as a recreational diver. I do dive with my watches; I know there's no necessity, but then again... there's no necessity to own a watch as a civvie anyway. I like doing because I love diving and wearing a cool watch while doing it is fun. Now the 'tactical' watch market is an interesting point. I never took out a G10 personally, but I knew a few who did... I did what most everyone else did and wore simple G-shocks, etc. I notice some of the watchmakers pushing 'tactical' watches supposedly associated to elite units, and these are obviously marketting ploys. No squaddie is gonna fork out 2-3 grand on a shiny watch that you wouldn't even wear in the field unless you had a death wish. But I think it's more about marketting an over-engineered luxury object. I don't (necessarily) resent these watches, nor (necessarily) the people who choose to buy them (although I absolutely WILL NOT buy or wear anything with an overt association or labelling to any unit or formation of which I was not a member - I think that's in extremely bad taste). As far as the collection of WW2 military watches of any description... I can accept that some people will have a strange personal fantasy associated with ownership, but it seems much more likely that most will just enjoy owning a historical artifact. I also have a really hard time drawing an association of guilt to the collection of militaria from any country, or indeed any form of curio. I mean, I have a couple of old bayonets on my bookcase. I certainly don't fantasise about being a Japanese soldier in Burma or China (especially since my Grandmother lived through the occupation of Singapore). But it's an interesting historical object. Nobody hurls guilt at collectors of the dirty dozen; associating guilt to a mechanical object. I mean, why don't we shame children who visit the Tank Museum because the want to see a Pz 6 or an Elefant?

[@auxiliary4023]

Why do you say "those nasty characters" at 13.10? They were soldiers doing their duty for their country. Get over it and respect them. History always gives the losers a hard time...Excuse the pun!

[@Peace-xl6pe]

Respect from China.

[@aleximd9244]

Apropos , eu m-am batut cu doi galigani si vecinii se uitau! Nici macar nu au comentat! Toata lumea este cu PM

[@chiliprepper7678]

Sprechen Sie mehr langsam bitte.

[@mrfuriouser]

I say the same thing to the locals everytime I am in Germany visiting family ;)

[@user-et8vm9cc3t]

*langsamer